Attorney General investigates tornado relief scam

CHICAGO – Illinois’ Attorney General says she’s opening an investigation into a potential fundraising scam tied to tornado relief efforts in the state.

Lisa Madigan’s office says it received a complaint regarding an unregistered, out-of-state entity that said it was raising funds for victims of last weekend’s storms in the central Illinois community of Washington. Illinois law requires fundraisers and charities to register each year with the attorney general’s office.

Investigators from the attorney general’s office are now assisting local authorities in Washington to monitor for scams related to recovery and rebuilding efforts.

Madigan is warning residents to carefully research organizations heading up recovery efforts which are seeking donations.